Effects Technical Director

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

The Effects TD generates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. They also complete lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with mentorship from their supervisors.

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the FX team embraces promising individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Comprehend and execute direction from Effects Supervisor and VFX Supervisor.
• Design and build FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems.
• Apply simple lighting and composition techniques to present work in context.
• Hand off elements to other departments i.e. comp and rendering teams.
• Data management of shots. Responsible for helping optimize production workflows, including managing renders, downstream data and cleanup.
• Provide accurate time estimates for shotwork. Maintain or exceed a consistent level of productivity while meeting deadlines and producing high quality work.
• Participate as a team member in achieving various aesthetic solutions; provides feedback to other members of the production by attending dailies on a regular basis.
• May be responsible for acting as a “mentor” to Entry Level FX artists.

What We’re Looking For

• At least three years of relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least five years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye.
• Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking.
• Production pipeline experience.
• Strong communication and follow-through.
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines.
• Experience with either Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini, or similar software. Ability and interest to learn new proprietary tools.
• Good knowledge of the physics of simulation.

Nice to have:

• Linux and scripting ability in Python.
• Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software, and the ability to write expressions.

Join ILM.

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$96,800 to C$118,000 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.